Parshat Beshalach
February 10, 2006

Az Yashir 16

Vealu Moshiyim Behar Tzion Lishpot et Har Esav Vehayta Lashem Hamelucha – The saviors will ascend the mountain of Zion and judge the Mountain of Esav and the kingdom will be for Hashem” This verse forecasts the ultimate redemption of the world; and is taken from the Prophet Obadiah who himself was a convert from the people of Edom/Esav.

The commentators remark that the saviors mentioned are the Moshiach/Messiah and the Seven Shepherds of Israel – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moshe, Aharon and King David. These are the same shepherd we invite to our Sukkoth each night of the holiday. These are the same shepherds we mention in the last stanza of Maoz Tzu – Hakim Lanu Roim Shiva – Cause the rise of the Seven Shepherds - the leaders that fashioned our nation.

Our tradition teaches us that each one of the shepherds taught, represented and inspired a different attribute into the Jewish national soul. Abraham represented loving-kindness. Isaac taught us spiritual strength. Jacob was the man of truth……and King David is associated with sovereignty.
A deeper insight into this verse reveals that it is when all Seven Shepherds will ascend towards Zion and there is Jewish Unity comprised of every genuine Torah attribute will the Mountain of Esav/Evil be judged and punished and Hashem will be recognized by all mankind.

G-d is awaiting our return. Our individual efforts, our familial efforts, our communal efforts and our national efforts must be focused in unison towards the Mountain of Zion – towards the Torah of Israel, the people of Israel and the G-d of Israel. Then we will BE”H merit seeing the expression of Divine truth made known to all mankind.

Begin today- by doing for one another, learning with one another and davening for one another. The Minchah Amidah on Shabbat reads “Ato Echad Veshimcha Echad Umi Kiamcha Beit Yisrael – G-d, You are one, Your name is one who is like Your nation Israel – a nation of One. May we achieve greatness together and enjoy the fulfillment of the Torah’s prophecies in our days. Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Ephraim Epstein

*Helpful Hint* Jot down some of the interpretations you learn into the margins of your personal siddur. This will enable you to access and utilize these and other Tefilla tips more easily.